Agaricus bernardii
(Salt Loving Agaricus)

Habitat

Grows in hard packed soils in the city. Along trails, roads, sidewalks, under trees in mulch, on lawns, etc. It especially likes areas close to roads and sidewalks that have been treated with de-icer and other salts. It also likes disturbed irrigated grassy areas with sod and lawns.

Description

Agaricus bernardii is shorter, stalkier than most other Agaricus and stains red quickly when cut. The caps typically have an inrolled margin, turning slightly brown and often crack with age. The gills are somewhat crowded and are distinct compared to other Agaricus species. On wet years in the spring these can be very prolific in the city. It is one of the first Agaricus that appears after spring storms. Some people love this mushroom however others do not like the briny taste. Agaricus bitorquis is very similar and often difficult to tell the difference. It grows in similar habitats and often near each other. Smell and red staining are the best indicators. A. bitorquis also has a double ring you can sometimes see depending on age and does not stain as bright red. It is usually somewhat smaller.

It is typically found May through September depending on rain or with the help of irrigation on lawns. I have seen it as late as October during some years.

Location

Colorado

Smell

Briny, mushroomy

Spore Print

Brown

Edibility

Edible

Color

White

iNaturalist Observation

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131975936

Last Updated

Feb 12 2023 11:10 PM

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